The Pennsylvania Wilds is known for quiet. Residents worry fighter jet training will disturb the silence.

Spotlight PADecember 7, 2021

Jets would fly just 100 feet above the ground, sparking concern that tourism, wildlife and quality of life could be impacted.

ConservationRecreationWild PennsylvaniaWildlifeYour Environment Update

Coach for social change leaders offers support to overcome climate anxiety

Julie GrantDecember 2, 2021

Seth Bush of the Radical Support Collective says it’s normal to feel anxious about the state of the planet, and those feelings can be transformed into positive action.

Climate ChangeHealthYour Environment Update

Corroded equipment led to catastrophic fire at U.S. Steel plant, court documents reveal

Reid FrazierNovember 18, 2021

Documents from a lawsuit regarding the 2018 Christmas Eve Fire at the Clairton Coke Works show problems went undetected for years; conditions at the plant were described as “decrepit” and “alarming.” 

HealthPollutionYour Environment Update

Air pollution can alter our brains in ways that increase mental illness risk

Kristina MarusicNovember 18, 2021

Emerging research finds polluted air linked to mental health problems, leaving western Pennsylvania children and environmental justice communities at high risk.

Environmental JusticeHealthPollutionYour Environment Update

A dark sky advocate says light pollution separates us from the stars

Kara HolsoppleOctober 27, 2021

The astronomer who helped Pittsburgh with its new dark sky lighting ordinance says, "I want more people to see the Milky Way right from where they live."

ConservationPollutionYour Environment Update

New book explores private land, public good and fracking in Pennsylvania

Kara HolsoppleOctober 15, 2021

A sociologist looks at how the environmental and community impacts of the natural gas boom in Lycoming County challenged closely-held rural values of independence and private property rights.

EnergyYour Environment Update

Pa. charges Energy Transfer with environmental crimes over Mariner East pipeline project

Susan PhillipsOctober 6, 2021

Energy Transfer faces 48 criminal charges related to construction of its Mariner East pipeline project, including a felony count of failing to report pollution.

EnergyYour Environment Update

Pa. Won’t Hit Climate Goals Without Increasing Efforts Now, Report Says

Rachel McDevittSeptember 24, 2021

The new Climate Action Plan aims to avoid the worst effects of climate change on public health and safety, infrastructure, agriculture and recreation.

Climate ChangeYour Environment Update

Why It’s Taking Pennsylvania so Long to Regulate Toxic PFAS Chemicals in Drinking Water

Kara HolsoppleSeptember 24, 2021

In 2017, DEP started developing regulations for PFAS, a class of "forever" chemicals. It might be done by 2023. PFAS is linked to some types of cancers.

HealthPollutionYour Environment Update

Raised in a Coal Mining Family, Now Working on Biden’s Cleaner Energy Future

Ohio Valley ReSourceSeptember 3, 2021

Brian Anderson heads the National Energy Technology Laboratory, which focuses on fossil fuels. He's also leading the effort to help communities transition to clean energy.

Climate ChangeEconomyEnergyYour Environment Update